Severe Weather Awareness Week: Staying safe during thunderstorms

Hamilton County residents invited to Storm Safety Day event

Published on Feb. 22, 2026

It's Severe Weather Awareness Week in Tennessee, and the focus today is on severe thunderstorm safety. Residents are invited to attend a free Storm Safety Day event next Thursday in Collegedale featuring safety demonstrations, expert Q&A, and help programming weather radios.

Why it matters

Hamilton County has seen 27 tornadoes between 1950 and 2024, so being prepared for severe weather is crucial for local residents. The Storm Safety Day event aims to educate the community on how to stay safe during dangerous thunderstorms.

The details

A severe thunderstorm is defined as a storm capable of producing hail one inch or larger in diameter, or wind gusts over 58 miles per hour. This type of severe weather can cause widespread damage to homes, vehicles, and power lines. The free Storm Safety Day event on February 26 from 4-6 PM at The Commons in Collegedale will feature safety demonstrations, a Q&A with a storm expert, and assistance from Hamilton County emergency officials to help residents program their weather radios.

  • Between 1950 and 2024, Hamilton County saw 27 tornadoes.
  • The Storm Safety Day event will take place on February 26, 2026 from 4-6 PM.

The players

Hamilton County

The county in Tennessee that has seen 27 tornadoes between 1950 and 2024, making severe weather preparedness a priority for local residents.

The Commons

The venue in Collegedale, Tennessee where the Storm Safety Day event will be held.

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The takeaway

With a history of severe weather events, Hamilton County residents should take advantage of the upcoming Storm Safety Day to learn how to prepare for and stay safe during dangerous thunderstorms.